What is the job title and employer?

Senior Social Media Strategist at the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC).

Where is the position located and what is the schedule?

The role is onsite in Washington, DC and is a full-time position.

What is the salary range?

The position pays between $101,401 and $131,826 per year.

When is the application deadline?

Applications close on October 23, 2025, but the posting may close earlier once 150 applications are received.

Who is eligible to apply?

The position is open to all qualified applicants eligible to work in the United States. Applicants must meet qualification and eligibility requirements within 30 days of the closing date.

Are relocation expenses paid?

No. Relocation expenses are not paid for this position.

What should be included in the resume?

Resumes should describe paid and unpaid work related to the job, include starting and ending dates (month and year), and average hours worked per week.

Will additional assessments be required?

Qualified candidates meeting the rating threshold may be asked to submit work samples, short essays, or other assessments after the vacancy closes.

How can applicants request accommodations?

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation should contact humphriesy@si.edu. Determinations are made case-by-case.

What benefits are offered for Trust Fund positions?

Trust Fund benefits may include health, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, transit benefits, annual and sick leave, a 403(b) retirement plan, and discounts for Smithsonian memberships and services.

Senior Social Media Strategist | $101K–$131K

Organization: Smithsonian Institution, National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC)
Location: Washington, DC (Onsite)
Employment Type: Trust Fund, Full-time, Indefinite Appointment
Compensation: $101,401 – $131,826 per year with competitive benefits
Application Deadline: October 23, 2025 (or until 150 applications are received)
Start Date: As determined after selection

About the Smithsonian Institution

The Smithsonian Institution, the world’s largest museum, education, and research complex, is home to 21 museums and the National Zoo. Within this vast network, the National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC) serves as a premier institution dedicated to preserving, studying, and exhibiting African American history and culture.

Role Summary

The Smithsonian is seeking a Senior Social Media Strategist (IS-1035-12) to join the Office of Public Affairs at NMAAHC. This individual will design, execute, and evaluate comprehensive social media strategies that amplify the Museum’s mission, foster community engagement, and drive dialogue through digital platforms.

Key Responsibilities

The strategist will:

Develop, execute, and oversee integrated social media campaigns and content strategies.
Establish social media guidelines, policies, and best practices for the Museum.
Identify and measure key performance indicators such as engagement rate, share of voice, conversions, and community growth.
Analyze social media analytics and user behavior to refine strategy and maximize impact.
Provide regular performance reports and recommend optimizations for campaigns.
Guide and train staff and leadership on effective social media usage and crisis response strategies.
Foster meaningful connections with audiences by leveraging museum content, cultural narratives, and national conversations.

Desired Expertise and Qualifications

Required Background

Candidates must demonstrate:

At least one year of specialized experience at the Federal GS-11 level or equivalent in social media strategy.
Strong knowledge of digital marketing, emerging social trends, and audience engagement strategies.
Proven ability to create content that reflects cultural relevance, especially within African American history and culture.
Experience managing metrics-driven campaigns, analyzing performance, and improving strategy.
Exceptional project management, relationship-building, and communication skills.

Preferred Experience

5–7 years in social media management, campaign design, and analytics.
3–5 years working within a museum, cultural, or educational institution.
Writing and editing experience for diverse digital audiences.
Direct experience with cultural institutions tied to African American history and heritage.

Employment Terms

This is a Trust Fund position, funded by Smithsonian endowments, revenue-generating activities, donations, grants, and contracts. While not part of the civil service, Trust Fund positions offer competitive pay and benefits, which may include:

Health, dental, and vision insurance
Life and AD&D coverage
Retirement plan (403b)
Annual and sick leave
Transit/commuter benefits
Childcare programs, membership discounts, and more

Application Process

Interested applicants should submit a resume with relevant paid and unpaid experience, dates of employment, and weekly hours worked. Applications must be received by October 23, 2025, though the vacancy may close earlier if 150 submissions are reached.

Apply

Following the deadline, resumes will be reviewed for eligibility and qualifications. Candidates meeting the rating threshold may be asked to provide additional assessments, including work samples or essays. Only qualified applicants will proceed to the next stage.

Equal Opportunity and Accessibility

The Smithsonian Institution is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities are available upon request at humphriesy@si.edu.

About the National Museum of African American History and Culture

The NMAAHC is the only national museum dedicated exclusively to documenting and celebrating African American life, history, and culture. Its mission is to inspire and connect generations through knowledge, discovery, and meaningful dialogue.

Apply now and join the Smithsonian in shaping digital narratives that inspire, engage, and honor history. For more information, visit their official careers portal.